U.K. Govn’t to Local Authorities: Don’t Divest from Fossil Fuels

The United Kingdom government said it has warned local authorities that they will face “severe penalties” for certain forms of boycotting that target oil, gas and natural gas companies, such as through fossil fuel divestment.

“Councils should not be using pensions and procurement policies to pursue their own boycotts and sanctions,” a government spokesman told the Guardian.